Anastasia

Anastasia's POV It's been a month since I attempted to end my life. But it seems that faith has other plans for me. It happened that I found a reason to keep going. I will find him. I will find the man who gave me a reason to live this life again. But I must fix myself first. I want to be the best version of myself when our paths cross again. Here I am at W. University. I received an email yesterday about a full scholarship and I'm really surprised that I passed the exam for this scholarship. I remember that I spent 2 months reviewing for the exam and I just made it! "Hi Miss Anastasia Sullivan, Welcome to W. University! I'm Professor Kent, and I will guide you to the admin office for your scholarship." Prof.Kent said as he welcomed me. " Thank you so much, Prof. Kent, right now I'm still in the process of thinking about how I passed the exam. " I replied. The exam is quite difficult for me, and I had a hard time answering it but because I reviewed some books that might contain the questions and I think that might pop up in the exam, I think it helped me a lot to pass it. "Are you sure that you didn't expect to pass it ?"Prof. Kent asked. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Yeah I didn't and to be honest I almost forgot that I took the exam here months ago because of some bad events that happened, but of course let's not go there, "I replied. Damn Anastasia, why did you mention it? I'm cursing my inner self right now. "Oh sorry to hear that, I hope you'll find your happiness and inspiration here at the University." Prof.Kent said and smiled at me. I smiled back in response. I hope so. "We are here, Anastasia! " Prof.Kent exclaimed as we reached our destination. He opened the door of the admin's office and guided me inside. "Good day Dean Ali, I'm with Ms.Sullivan, she's the one I'm telling you. "Prof. Kent introduced me. "Good day, Dean Ali! "I greeted her too. "Oh Ms.Sullivan, Welcome to W. University! "Dean Ali welcomed me. She's smiling mischievously. "Thank you so much, Dean," I said. " So you are the freshman who got the highest score in the scholarship exam. You're a brainy dear ." She complimented. I smiled in response. "Well, let's talk about your scholarship now. Since you got the highest score, the full scholarship will be given to you plus a monthly allowance of Php 50,000 for a living. All you have to do is maintain an A+ grade and never fail in any subject because your scholarship will be voided in an instant. I have here the scholarship contract, including the terms and conditions, requirements, and your benefits, of course." She explained as she handed me the papers. I read it carefully, then signed it. I need this. "Great! So you may start your class tomorrow! By the way, what is the course you choose? "Dean Ali asked. " Computer Science, Dean Ali. "I responded. My dream course will not be a dream anymore. I can feel it at the tip of my hands now. "Very good choice dear, Prof.Kent, can you escort her and show her where her classroom is? Give her the schedule too. " Dean Ali ordered Prof.Kent. Her voice was so soothing, but there was an authority in her words. "Thank you, Ma'am ." I am indeed truly grateful for this opportunity. Deep inside I'm celebrating. "Thank you, dear, our university has a lot to offer you. " I won't waste this opportunity. Professor Kent guided me and showed me my classroom. He also gave me my schedule, then he escorted me to the exit gate and bid goodbye. Now I need to do one more thing for today; find a part-time job and start making a living. I know it'll be hard, being independent will surely give me struggles, but who else doesn't have hardships in life? Rich people? I don't think so, they may not be encountering some financial problems, but maybe in the other parts of their lives, they were. I shook my head in sudden thought. I think the Php 50,000 monthly allowance from my scholarship will not be enough for me since I am renting a small apartment near the university. It just happened that I lost our house 3 weeks ago. I used some of the money left in my pocket to rent an apartment and asked for the tenant to give me some time to find a job before this month ends so that I could pay the rent fully. I heard my tummy make a familiar noise. I'm hungry right now. Maybe I'll just have a sandwich. I have to save up because I don't have a job yet. I only have a few pennies left for the next few days. I saw a food cart and I think it's exactly what I was looking for. I bought a chicken sandwich and asked for a bottle of water. I immediately left the food cart and planned to eat while looking for a job. I should not waste time because I might starve myself to death. I started walking again across the village hoping for a poster sign of job hiring. When I was about to eat my sandwich, I saw a beggar sitting on the street. Maybe I'll just eat at home. I walked closer to the beggar. "Hi Uhm, this is not that much but it might lessen your hungriness. " I handed him the sandwich and a bottle of water. "Oh Thank you, Ma'am. It's been 2 days since the last time I ate. " I felt sad. Maybe I'm still lucky that I have a shelter to live in and still be able to eat in a day. " No worries. Please be safe. " I smiled and was just about to leave when he stopped me. " Are you looking for a job? " He asked. I was surprised. How did he know? " Well, I noticed you a while ago and you kept looking for something in every store you passed by. That's why I assumed that you might be looking for a job. "He added, explaining like he just read the confusion plastered on my face. " Oh Uhm yes, I badly need it. " I answered. I was about to turn my back when he stopped. " Well, I think I can help you," he said and smiled. How? I mean isn't he a beggar? That's why I handed him my food because I thought he needed it more than I did. " I'll explain later dear. Come, I'll take you to my kingdom. You need a job, right? "He said and smiled again. I am speechless right now. " Don't worry, it's nearby. "He added and pointed out a large building. He smiled again. My eyes widened. Is this for real? When we reached the front of the building that he mentioned a while ago, the security guard greeted him. " Good Afternoon Sir Diego! "He exclaimed before he glanced at me and smiled. I just smiled back. So this old man's name is Diego? And he owned this building? The guard called him Sir, so I supposed that he was his boss. Damn, I'm confused right now. " Let's go dear? " Sir Diego said, guiding me to enter the building. " Yeah, Sure. " I think I don't have any choice right now. He seemed a nice person. After all, I'll just have to trust my guts for now. As we walked inside the hotel, my jaw dropped. This building seems to be owned by a billionaire with its unique and fascinating design and ambiance. The staff is wearing very elegant attire and it might be their uniform. It's very pleasant for me. They are all smiling at us. No, not maybe to Sir Diego only. " What job do you want to apply for? "He suddenly asked. We are now in an office, and I think it is his office because his name is written on the table and a frame with his picture is displayed on the corner of the wall. Everything is still sinking for me. " Dear? " I was taken aback when he spoke again. " Oh, I'm sorry Sir, I'm still shocked by what's happening right now, can you explain the drama a while ago ?" I asked because I think I deserved it, even just a bit of his explanation. He laughed. " Sorry dear, the scene you encountered a while ago is just an act. You know I'm having my experiment because I believe that there are still people who have a kind heart and are willing to give a hand to others even if they need it too and it happened to be you today. I wonder if you had your lunch already since you gave me your chicken sandwich ." He smiled. Woah, so there are still people like him who exist. " No, it's just my snack and I had my lunch already ." I lied and smiled back at him. I don't want to offend him in any way. "Well, you're not good at lying dear, you can't even look at me with those two pretty eyes of yours. I think we should discuss the job you want so that you can have your lunch. You know most of my staff here in the hotel are like you. I'm so blessed that I found them. I can assure my customers that this hotel will give them the best quality of service because I am surrounded by great people, like you. So what job would you like, dear? By the way, what's your name ?" he explained and asked. " Oh sorry, I'm Anastasia Sir," I replied and nodded. I'm still processing every single detail that's happening to me right now. " Beautiful name, I think you're perfect as my secretary, Anastasia. What do you think ?"He asked again and smiled. I stared at him and I only realized that, despite signs of aging, he looked good. He's still wearing that beggar costume of his. I could bet that during his teenage life, women dreamed of him. " It's great, I think ." I can't find the right words to say. I mean, is this really for real? Minutes ago, I was just roaming around the village, looking for a job. And now, I'm inside this luxury hotel, and an opportunity is knocking. " Let's negotiate your schedule, Anastasia. Do you go to school ?" He asked. My eyes almost widened in shock but I managed to stay calm. Darn it, I almost forgot. "Yes Sir! I have class tomorrow morning. Is it okay if I work on the night shift? "I asked, hoping that he would agree. If not, then I couldn't accept his job offer. "Yes, of course, Anastasia, your schedule would be 6 pm to 12 am, is that okay with you ? 6 hours will do. I will give you a full-time salary, besides you're a student, you don't have to grind for 8 hours." He explained and nodded at me. "Thank you so much, Sir. Diego, this will be a big help for me. I won't disappoint you, and I will not waste this opportunity that you gave you." I gladly responded. I am grateful that I already have a job to rely on. God will provide when you think you're running out of hope. You'll just have to trust him. "You're always welcome dear. How about let's eat together? I know you're hungry right now after a long discussion and, of course, I know you had a long day. I'll treat you this time." He smiled. I nodded, I'm still stunned by those blessings coming my way. Luca's POV "Where were you last night, Luca ?" Dad asked. He sounds pissed with his tone. I didn't respond. I'm used to it anyway. This is my everyday morning routine and breakfast, as you know. " Don't tell me you're at the bar again and wasting my money !?" Dad exclaimed and slammed the table. Of course, he's angry and it's not new to me. "Hon, let your son grab his breakfast." Mom said, trying to calm my father. Thanks, Mom, but he won't listen to you. " Stop it, Ariana! That's why he doesn't listen to me! You always keep on pampering him! He's not a baby anymore!" Dad exclaimed, glaring at me. Alright. I'm pissed right now. "I lost my appetite." I was about to leave the dining area when he spoke. "You son of a b*tch! You better listen to me, Luca! If you do not fix your life within a month, you'll be the one who'll marry my friend's daughter instead of Lewis! And you will never be able to come back to the Philippines and might never see her again! Don't test my patience, Luca! Grow up !"Dad exclaimed, full of rage. His voice echoed in the whole mansion. "Hon, stop it. Let's not pressure him !"Mom shot back. She looked at me and gave me a cheering and an apologizing smile. Yet, I turned my back on them. I couldn't believe that he managed to say and blackmail me with those words. He knows how to piss me off. I can't afford to waste another year not finding her. I promised myself. Lewis' POV I glanced at my phone when it rang. " Hello, Dad," I answered my phone as I saw his name on the screen. "Lewis, where are you ?"He asked. "Office." I know he won't call just to ask where I am. "You better talk to Luca and tell him to listen to me or else !" He sounds pissed right now. If I'm right, he messed up with my brother again. I heaved a deep sigh. "Or else what, Dad? Can you please stop pressuring Luca? Am I not enough? Let him live the life he wants. Have we settled this already? I take all the responsibilities and even arrange to marry someone I don't even know just for this company. You took my happiness from me already, stop ruining Luca's life, Dad." My voice was calm yet deep inside, I wanted to shout back at him. Let him realize things, but it'll just be a waste of time. He never listens to us. "It's for the both of you! This company will be yours and Luca's someday. Both of you should know how to manage it. But everything won't go according to plan if Luca keeps on wasting his time at the bar or anywhere else and keeps on failing in his studies!" Dad exclaimed. He and his bad temper always ruin our moods. "Yeah right, it's for our good," I replied, making sure that sarcasm would be visible from my voice. "I'll hang up, bye," I added before he could respond and ended the call because I was starting to get annoyed. I may sound rude, but he's testing my patience. I glanced at my phone and dialed my secretary's number immediately. "Hello Vivian, come to my office." I should be enjoying it right now. I only had a little time left for everything I wanted to do. Poor me. When the door opens, I knew it was Vivian. "Good afternoon Sir Lewis."Vivian greeted me. "Good afternoon. How's my passport? I asked you to take care of it, did I ?"I asked her. "Yes Sir, it is settled." She responds quickly. I smiled. "Great. Book my flight tomorrow at 8 PM, Philippines ." I told her. "But Sir, aren't you allowed to go to that country? Mr.Harvey told me that I should not let you book a flight if it's the Philippines."She said nervously. "Well, Vivian, who's your boss? Who's giving you a weekly salary with a bonus, of course? Are you my secretary or my dad's?"I asked her, my voice was full of authority. "I'm your secretary, Sir, Sorry." She replied, bowing her head. I smirked. " Then do what I asked you to do, and never let him know that I will be out of the country for a few days or else you'll lose your job," I said calmly. " Y- yes Sir." "You may now leave," I said in my most calming tone. I took a deep breath. It's been a month. I hope you're doing well. We will meet again, at the most perfect time. Anastasia's POV After lunch yesterday, I left the W. Hotel so that I could rest at my apartment for today. I woke up as early as 4 am so that I could clean and cook breakfast for this long day that I might have. It's my first class and the first day of my job. I'm excited about meeting new people and making new friends, hoping this time I can have one. Since the university is just a few miles away from my apartment, I just walked so that I could save some of my money and have some exercise as well. And now I'm in front of the classroom that Prof.Kent showed me yesterday and opened it. As I stepped inside, everyone was looking at me, but that was just for a second and they were back to their own business. I just smiled and went to the vacant seat at the back. The professor just came. " Good morning everyone! I'm Prof. Amanda Moore, and I will be your instructor for Programming ." She introduced them before flashing a wide smile at us. " Good morning Prof. Moore!" Everyone responded. "All right since it's your first day, I don't want to ruin the mood and we will not have our lecture class today. But you will introduce yourself and tell me some reasons why you chose this course." Prof.Moore uttered full of excitement" I see she's excited about meeting us. Yeah, of course, I shouldn't expect a regular class on the first day of class. "Let's start at the back", she added. Everyone looked at me. I realized that I was sitting in the corner row. So maybe I'll be the one to start. "H-Hi, I'm Anastasia Sullivan, 18, and I chose this course because I believe that the most important aspect of computer science is problem-solving. It's an essential skill for life. We will be studying the design, development, and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. Because computers solve problems to serve people, there is a significant human side to computer science as well." I quickly said I was a bit nervous, though it vanished immediately. Silenced reign after I speak before I seated. "So you're Miss Sullivan, very well said, as expected, coming from the one who got the highest score in our entrance exam." She said, was it a glint of amusement I saw right now? I smiled at her. "She might be brainy but not that pretty though ."The girl with curly hair and a short skirt exclaimed. And everyone just laughs. I looked at the floor and heaved a deep breath. "Stop it, Miss Liandra. Let's proceed to the next one at the back." Prof. Amanda said. I ignored them and smiled. I have been used to it since elementary and high school. How foolish I am to expect something new today. This will be a long run, Anastasia. I thought to myself. "Hi, you're Anastasia, right?!" A girl with blonde hair approached me. She was pretty, her eyes were blue, and she seemed to be rich in her skin and the way she dressed. "Uhm hi, yes I am, how may I help you please?"I replied. Is this for real? She's talking to me? "Don't be too formal, I'm Alyssa, but you can call me Aly." She said. She's really pretty. "By the way, I'm so sorry awhile ago, about our classmate's acts."She added in an apologetic tone when I didn't speak. Seriously, she doesn't have to apologize for that. I'm used to it anyway. "Yeah, no problem, I have been used to it ever since. I'm not surprised that they acted that way." I replied. "Why? You used to be bullied before?" She asked. I shrugged. Hoping that she will understand that I don't want to talk about it. Then the bell rang quickly. Thank God, I was saved by it. "All right! Let's have our lunch together Anastasia."She smiled at me. Even though I'm not used to this kind of treatment, there's a part of me hoping that I'll make even just one friend here at the university. Setting aside my worries. I smiled at her. "Sure." She took me to a cafeteria. I still have a few pennies in my pocket. Maybe I'll just have a sandwich and a cup of water. Everyone is busy, they are happily eating their lunch that looks expensive. I hope I can afford those too. I'm really hungry. "You only bought a sandwich, Anastasia? "Aly asked, looking at my food. "Yeah it's good enough for me, I'm on a diet. "I lied. When we were heading to our table, I bumped into someone and I was shocked when I recognized her. "Ouch! Are you f*cking blind?" It's Lia, I will never forget her curly hair. Her green eyes are glaring at me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bump you, it's an accident."I defended myself apologetically, even though I know that she bumped me first on purpose. "You didn't mean to? Are you kidding me?" She replied while furiously looking at me. She got the cup of water and threw it in my face. I gasped. It was a bit cold. "Ohhh." Everyone in the cafeteria is now looking at us like we're in a movie, and I'm the pitiful nerd playing the role of a victim. Here we go again. I just smiled at her. But I think I only made her even more furious. She gets the sandwich in my hand, throws it on the floor, and steps on it. Poor sandwich. I bit my lip, that's my only escape to fill my stomach. "That's enough, Lia, that's too much." Alyssa was stopping her. I'm about to turn my back on her when she grips my arms tightly. She's fuming mad. I can feel her rage with the tight grip of her, her nails are digging my skin. I could say that it will leave some marks or worse, a scratch. "Don't you dare turn your back on me! I'm not yet done with you." She warned with an evil smile. "Ouch !" I whimpered. She's now pulling my hair and dragging me to the center of the cafeteria. For Pete's sake, everyone is looking at us but no one could stop her. They're just watching us. Some are smiling, seemingly enjoying the view. Am I in a drama? Or in a novel. I thought this could only happen in those things I mentioned. I closed my eyes waiting for Lia's next move. "Lia! Enough !" A man's stern voice. Finally, someone dared to stop her. I sighed in relief.